Software refers to the various programs and data used in a computer system that enable it perform a number of specific functions.
Software instructs the computer on what to do and how to do it.
All programs (software) are written using programming languages.
Programmers usually write programs in Source Language (a language that is like broken English).
The Source language is then converted into Machine language; the language that the computer can understand.
Machine language is usually in form of bits (series of 0‟s and 1‟s).
Software Flexibility
The Software used on a given computer is said to be flexible, i.e. it is relatively easy to change.
Application Software
Application programs are written to solve specific problems (or to handle the needs) of the end user in particular areas.
They interface between the user and system programs to allow the user to perform specific tasks.
Application software helps to solve the problems of the computer user, and are therefore said to be user-oriented.
They are designed specifically to carry out particular tasks. For example, they can be used to type and create professional documents such as letters, solve mathematical equations, draw pictures, etc.
Application programs can be written by the user, programmers employed by the user, or by a Software house (a company specializing in writing software).
Application programs can be written with very little knowledge of the hardware details of a specific computer, and can run on several different computers with little or no modification.
Application software falls into two main groups;
(i). General-purpose packages (Application packages).
(ii). Special-purpose applications (User programs).
General-purpose packages (Application packages)
They are usually pre-written programs made for non-specialists, in the home or business, and may be used for a wide variety of purposes.
They are off-shelf programs that are developed and supplied by manufacturers and software houses at a price.
They provide a general set of facilities that are used in dealing with similar types of tasks, which arise in a wide variety of different application problems.
Examples of Application packages are;
Advantages of Application packages as compared to other forms of applications.
(i). Packages save a lot time and programming effort, because the company buys the software when it is ready-made.
(ii). Are relatively cheap to the user. These programs are usually sold in large numbers. Again, the cost of developing the programs is effectively shared between the purchases.
(iii). They are appropriate for a large variety of applications.
(iv). Most packages are menu-driven, i.e., the user is provided with a set of options displayed on the screen; hence, they are easy to learn and use, making them suitable for people with little or no computing knowledge.
(v). Packages are extensively/thoroughly tested and debugged (has all errors corrected), i.e. if it is a popular package, it is usually tried and approved by a large number of people. The testing is done by a pool of professional programmers and analysts.
(vi). Are usually provided with extensive documentation to help the user.
(vii). Relatively quick results are obtained.
(viii). The packages are generally portable.
(ix). Application packages can be rented, especially by users who might require to use them only periodically, hence cutting on costs, e.g. maintenance.
Disadvantages of Application packages.
(i). The package is produced to meet general needs (a wide variety of user’s needs) and therefore, may not be ideal for a particular customer/company.
(ii). The purchaser has no direct control over the package, because he/she is not involved in developing it.
(iii). Packages cannot be modified.
(iv). A package may include extra facilities, which are not required by an individual user or company.
(v). It is quite easy to forget the commands to use the package, especially if it is not used frequently.
Special-purpose applications (User-developed/ in-house programs).
They are written to meet the specific needs of an organization.
They are usually customized (modified/ tailored) programs written by the user or a Software house under contract, to perform a specific job.
They are developed by users to solve only the specific processing tasks in one organization, and may not suit the needs of other organizations, hence the name In-house or Tailor-made programs.
They are designed for a particular identifiable group of users such as Estate agents, farmers, Hoteliers, etc.
They are usually aimed at providing all the facilities required for particular class of application problem such as Payroll / Stock control.
Since the programs are occupation-specific; they sell fewer and tend to be more expensive.
Advantages of Special-purpose applications.
(i). The user gets a well tried and tested program, which he/she is able to use with confidence.
(ii). The user is able to quickly implement the results obtained from the use of the package.
Disadvantages of Special-purpose applications.
(i). Purchaser has direct control over the package, as he is involved in its production.
(ii). Are very expensive.
Factors to consider when buying an Application package.
The following are some of the factors that a buyer who is intending to acquire an Application package should consider;
1). Cost of the package in relation to the expected benefits against the cost of developing in house programs.
2). Compatibility: - (fitting) of the package with/within the existing computer resources, e.g., hardware, software, etc.
3). Whether there is maintenance support from the suppliers.
4). Whether there is accompanying documentation (the descriptions), which helps in using, maintaining and installing the package.
5). The portability of the package, i.e. whether the package can be used on different families of computers.
6). A good package is that which is easy to learn and use. This helps to determine the duration of training that might be involved and the subsequent cost of training.
7). Before buying a particular package, its current users should be interviewed to find out whether the package is successful and famous in the market.
Software Suite
A Software Suite is a group of different compatible applications sold by one software company.
The programs are each individual applications, but they usually work in a similar manner, and have some common features, such as menu commands, buttons, or keystrokes.
Although each of the programs in a suite can be purchased separately, they cost less when purchased as a bundle.
Typically, a suite includes a Word processor, a Spreadsheet, a Database, Presentation graphics applications, Personal Information Managers, and E-mail applications.
The applications are integrated with one another, making it easy to use them together and to transfer data from one into the others.
Example of Software Suites is Microsoft Office (word, excel, PowerPoint, access, publisher, etc).
Software instructs the computer on what to do and how to do it.
All programs (software) are written using programming languages.
Programmers usually write programs in Source Language (a language that is like broken English).
The Source language is then converted into Machine language; the language that the computer can understand.
Machine language is usually in form of bits (series of 0‟s and 1‟s).
Software Flexibility
The Software used on a given computer is said to be flexible, i.e. it is relatively easy to change.
For example, in a home computer used for playing games, instead of buying a new machine each time a new game is needed, you only need to „load‟ a new program into the machine.
Classification of Computer Software
Computer software can be classified into two categories:
(1). System Software (programs).
(2). Application software (programs).
Systems Software
This is a set of programs, which is developed and installed in a computer system for the purpose of developing other programs, and to enhance the functional capabilities of the computer system.
System programs control the operation of the various hardware parts and make them available to the user.
They also enable users make efficient use of the computing facilities in order to solve their problems.
System programs manage the computer resources such as Printers, Memory, disks, etc, automate its operations and make easier the writing, testing and debugging of users‟ programs.
They also control the various application programs that we use to achieve a particular kind of work.
System software are developed and installed by the manufacturer of the computer hardware. This is because to write them, a programmer needs in-depth knowledge of the hardware details of the specific computer.
Some of the system software are supposed to put initial „life‟ into the computer hardware and are therefore, held permanently in the ROM.
System programs dictate how the programs relate to the hardware, and are therefore said to be Hardware-oriented.
System software is further sub-classified as:
(a). Operating system.
(b). System utilities.
Operating Systems (OS)
An Operating System is a set of programs designed to ensure the smooth running of the computer system.
They are developed to manage all parts of the basic computer hardware and provide a more hospitable interface to users and their programs.
It controls the way the way the software uses the hardware. This control ensures that the computer system operates in a systematic, reliable and efficient manner as intended by the user.
OS are supplied by the computer manufacturer. They are designed to reduce the amount of time that the computer is idle, and also the amount of programming required to use a computer.
Utility Software
Modern OS does a lot more than manage the hardware efficiently. It normally provides the user with facilities that make the job of developing programs or doing something useful on the computer much easier.
A Utility program is a program, which performs a generally useful task.
Utility programs are used by end-users to perform many of the routine functions and operations such as, sorting, merging, program debugging, manage computer files, diagnose and repair computer problems that occur, etc. They are normally supplied the manufacturers to enable the computer to run more smoothly and efficiently.
Most OS have many of the Utility programs needed to assist with the upkeep of the computer.
Some of the common Utility programs are those concerned with;
a) Searching.
They help to search for a file from one or more specified records. For example, in a
Sales record, the Search facility assists in finding the salesperson with the highest sales.
b) Moving data from one medium to another.
For example, from CD to disk and vice versa, or from a disk to hard disk.
c) Spell-checking of words.
After a document is typed, the words in the document are checked against those in a „custom dictionary‟ in secondary storage. If any word used is not found in the dictionary, a warning is given indicating a possible spelling error.
d) Formatting programs.
Before a disk can be used, it must be „initialized or formatted. This means that, the system must put certain information on the disk, which helps with the storing and retrieving user’s programs and data at a later time.
e) Debugging (removing program errors).
The programming process usually includes debugging (removing errors from) a program.
Classification of Computer Software
Computer software can be classified into two categories:
(1). System Software (programs).
(2). Application software (programs).
Systems Software
This is a set of programs, which is developed and installed in a computer system for the purpose of developing other programs, and to enhance the functional capabilities of the computer system.
System programs control the operation of the various hardware parts and make them available to the user.
They also enable users make efficient use of the computing facilities in order to solve their problems.
System programs manage the computer resources such as Printers, Memory, disks, etc, automate its operations and make easier the writing, testing and debugging of users‟ programs.
They also control the various application programs that we use to achieve a particular kind of work.
System software are developed and installed by the manufacturer of the computer hardware. This is because to write them, a programmer needs in-depth knowledge of the hardware details of the specific computer.
Some of the system software are supposed to put initial „life‟ into the computer hardware and are therefore, held permanently in the ROM.
System programs dictate how the programs relate to the hardware, and are therefore said to be Hardware-oriented.
System software is further sub-classified as:
(a). Operating system.
(b). System utilities.
Operating Systems (OS)
An Operating System is a set of programs designed to ensure the smooth running of the computer system.
They are developed to manage all parts of the basic computer hardware and provide a more hospitable interface to users and their programs.
It controls the way the way the software uses the hardware. This control ensures that the computer system operates in a systematic, reliable and efficient manner as intended by the user.
OS are supplied by the computer manufacturer. They are designed to reduce the amount of time that the computer is idle, and also the amount of programming required to use a computer.
Utility Software
Modern OS does a lot more than manage the hardware efficiently. It normally provides the user with facilities that make the job of developing programs or doing something useful on the computer much easier.
A Utility program is a program, which performs a generally useful task.
Utility programs are used by end-users to perform many of the routine functions and operations such as, sorting, merging, program debugging, manage computer files, diagnose and repair computer problems that occur, etc. They are normally supplied the manufacturers to enable the computer to run more smoothly and efficiently.
Most OS have many of the Utility programs needed to assist with the upkeep of the computer.
Some of the common Utility programs are those concerned with;
a) Searching.
They help to search for a file from one or more specified records. For example, in a
Sales record, the Search facility assists in finding the salesperson with the highest sales.
b) Moving data from one medium to another.
For example, from CD to disk and vice versa, or from a disk to hard disk.
c) Spell-checking of words.
After a document is typed, the words in the document are checked against those in a „custom dictionary‟ in secondary storage. If any word used is not found in the dictionary, a warning is given indicating a possible spelling error.
d) Formatting programs.
Before a disk can be used, it must be „initialized or formatted. This means that, the system must put certain information on the disk, which helps with the storing and retrieving user’s programs and data at a later time.
e) Debugging (removing program errors).
The programming process usually includes debugging (removing errors from) a program.
Application programs are written to solve specific problems (or to handle the needs) of the end user in particular areas.
They interface between the user and system programs to allow the user to perform specific tasks.
Application software helps to solve the problems of the computer user, and are therefore said to be user-oriented.
They are designed specifically to carry out particular tasks. For example, they can be used to type and create professional documents such as letters, solve mathematical equations, draw pictures, etc.
Application programs can be written by the user, programmers employed by the user, or by a Software house (a company specializing in writing software).
Application programs can be written with very little knowledge of the hardware details of a specific computer, and can run on several different computers with little or no modification.
Application software falls into two main groups;
(i). General-purpose packages (Application packages).
(ii). Special-purpose applications (User programs).
General-purpose packages (Application packages)
They are usually pre-written programs made for non-specialists, in the home or business, and may be used for a wide variety of purposes.
They are off-shelf programs that are developed and supplied by manufacturers and software houses at a price.
They provide a general set of facilities that are used in dealing with similar types of tasks, which arise in a wide variety of different application problems.
Examples of Application packages are;
- Ms Word
- Ms excel
- Ms PowerPoint
- Ms Access
- Ms Publisher
Advantages of Application packages as compared to other forms of applications.
(i). Packages save a lot time and programming effort, because the company buys the software when it is ready-made.
(ii). Are relatively cheap to the user. These programs are usually sold in large numbers. Again, the cost of developing the programs is effectively shared between the purchases.
(iii). They are appropriate for a large variety of applications.
(iv). Most packages are menu-driven, i.e., the user is provided with a set of options displayed on the screen; hence, they are easy to learn and use, making them suitable for people with little or no computing knowledge.
(v). Packages are extensively/thoroughly tested and debugged (has all errors corrected), i.e. if it is a popular package, it is usually tried and approved by a large number of people. The testing is done by a pool of professional programmers and analysts.
(vi). Are usually provided with extensive documentation to help the user.
(vii). Relatively quick results are obtained.
(viii). The packages are generally portable.
(ix). Application packages can be rented, especially by users who might require to use them only periodically, hence cutting on costs, e.g. maintenance.
Disadvantages of Application packages.
(i). The package is produced to meet general needs (a wide variety of user’s needs) and therefore, may not be ideal for a particular customer/company.
(ii). The purchaser has no direct control over the package, because he/she is not involved in developing it.
(iii). Packages cannot be modified.
(iv). A package may include extra facilities, which are not required by an individual user or company.
(v). It is quite easy to forget the commands to use the package, especially if it is not used frequently.
Special-purpose applications (User-developed/ in-house programs).
They are written to meet the specific needs of an organization.
They are usually customized (modified/ tailored) programs written by the user or a Software house under contract, to perform a specific job.
They are developed by users to solve only the specific processing tasks in one organization, and may not suit the needs of other organizations, hence the name In-house or Tailor-made programs.
They are designed for a particular identifiable group of users such as Estate agents, farmers, Hoteliers, etc.
They are usually aimed at providing all the facilities required for particular class of application problem such as Payroll / Stock control.
Since the programs are occupation-specific; they sell fewer and tend to be more expensive.
Advantages of Special-purpose applications.
(i). The user gets a well tried and tested program, which he/she is able to use with confidence.
(ii). The user is able to quickly implement the results obtained from the use of the package.
Disadvantages of Special-purpose applications.
(i). Purchaser has direct control over the package, as he is involved in its production.
(ii). Are very expensive.
Factors to consider when buying an Application package.
The following are some of the factors that a buyer who is intending to acquire an Application package should consider;
1). Cost of the package in relation to the expected benefits against the cost of developing in house programs.
2). Compatibility: - (fitting) of the package with/within the existing computer resources, e.g., hardware, software, etc.
3). Whether there is maintenance support from the suppliers.
4). Whether there is accompanying documentation (the descriptions), which helps in using, maintaining and installing the package.
5). The portability of the package, i.e. whether the package can be used on different families of computers.
6). A good package is that which is easy to learn and use. This helps to determine the duration of training that might be involved and the subsequent cost of training.
7). Before buying a particular package, its current users should be interviewed to find out whether the package is successful and famous in the market.
Software Suite
A Software Suite is a group of different compatible applications sold by one software company.
The programs are each individual applications, but they usually work in a similar manner, and have some common features, such as menu commands, buttons, or keystrokes.
Although each of the programs in a suite can be purchased separately, they cost less when purchased as a bundle.
Typically, a suite includes a Word processor, a Spreadsheet, a Database, Presentation graphics applications, Personal Information Managers, and E-mail applications.
The applications are integrated with one another, making it easy to use them together and to transfer data from one into the others.
Example of Software Suites is Microsoft Office (word, excel, PowerPoint, access, publisher, etc).
